Speak to the person, not their difference

Use inclusive language. You can use the general term ‘multicultural communities’ to write about people from different cultural backgrounds.

People writing for government sometimes use the term ‘culturally and linguistically diverse’ (CALD) communities. Avoid using the acronym unless you’re speaking to a specialist audience.

Mention people’s cultural affinity or identity only when you need to.

Australians speak many different languages and have different cultural and religious beliefs. Each culture has its own values and beliefs. You can be sensitive to these differences when you write, through doing user research.

Avoid using words such as ‘ethnic Australians’ or ‘ethnic groups’. This can imply that migrant heritage or migrant status is unusual. 

Refer to people living in Australia as ‘Australians’

The meaning of the word ‘Australian’ can vary in different contexts. It could mean anyone who lives in Australia. Legally, it could mean only people who are Australian citizens.

Depending on the type of content, you might need to explain what you mean by the term. For example, ‘Australian students’ could refer to all students in Australia including international students.

Mention heritage, cultural or other national identity only if it’s necessary. Consult guidance on how to refer to nationalities, peoples and places outside of Australia.

When you specify a dual identity or other heritage as an adjective, connect the reference and the term ‘Australian’ with an en dash.

To refer to people who have recently arrived in Australia, use the words:

• ‘migrants’
• ‘immigrants’
• ‘new arrivals’.

These words don’t say anything about a person’s culture or language: they are neutral. Don’t use these words once people have settled and become Australian citizens. They suggest a temporary or marginal status.

Use the terms ‘given name’ and ‘family name’

Many naming systems around the world differ from those used in English-speaking countries.

Given names come before family names in English-speaking countries. In some Asian cultures, people write the family name first.

This is not always obvious when the names are unfamiliar. Sometimes, the owners of names foresee the possible confusion for English speakers. They reverse the order in an English-speaking context.

When you ask people their name, don’t ask for ‘Christian name’, ‘first name’, ‘forename’ or ‘surname’. These terms all take for granted the European conventions and order of names.

Instead, ask for their:

• given name
• family name.

Some people state a preferred name instead of their given name. This could be different from their legal name, so be clear about which you need.

Other countries have variations of name order. For example:

• In Indonesia, some people have only one name. They might use this in Australia for both their given name and family name to conform with Western conventions.
• In Myanmar, names are not divided into given and family names. These names keep their full form instead.

For more on this rule, refer to guidance on personal names.